Whether you are just starting BJJ or have earned your Jiu Jitsu black belt, having the best Jiu Jitsu gear is a must-have for committed Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu equipment ranges from BJJ Gis, Jiu Jitsu rashguards, and BJJ shorts to mouthguards, gym bags, and accessories.
The proper BJJ gear ensures that your Jiu Jitsu training experience is seamless, your progression is consistent, and if you compete, that you have the best chance of reaching that number one spot on the podium. Put mildy, you need good Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear if you are serious about your BJJ training.
In this article, we break down the top Jiu Jitsu equipment by category so you can pick and choose when and where you need to upgrade. We include gear recommendations across all categories including BJJ Gis, No Gi BJJ gear, and other Jiu Jitsu accessories.
We’ve included some pro tips as well when it comes to budgeting for your Jiu Jitsu gear so you can ensure you meet the essential training needs before investing in more serious equipment.
Finally, each section includes a few different Jiu-Jitsu training equipment options at different prices, as well as the pros and cons of each.
Without further ado, here is our categorized breakdown of the top BJJ training equipment to get you to the next level.
Best BJJ Apparel Roundup
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Gameness Feather Gi 2.0 Jiu-Jitsu Gi | Check Price | |
 | Break Point Jiu Jitsu Life Rashguard |
| Check Price |
 | BJJ Religion Basic Series Grappling Shorts |
| Check Price |
 | Fuji Special Ops Grappling Spats Black |
| Check Price |
Best Jiu Jitsu Training Equipment Roundup
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | New Age Performance Sports Mouth Guard |
| Check Price |
 | JIU JITSU Embroidered Champion Backpack |
| Check Price |
 | KO Sports Gear’s Black and Grey Neoprene Knee Pad |
| Check Price |
 | Jayefo Beast 58 BJJ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Wrestling Dummy |
| Check Price |
Essential Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Equipment – Best BJJ Gis
If you plan to train Gi BJJ, you need a Jiu Jitsu Gi and belt in your BJJ training gear bag, period. As a beginner, buying a mid-to-budget priced Gi is a good idea to ensure the sport is right before putting $200 into an expensive premium Gi – although no one can deny that you get what you pay for when it comes to premium Jiu-Jitsu equipment.
When you purchase a Jiu Jitsu Gi, you typically receive the following items:
- BJJ Gi top
- BJJ Gi pants
- BJJ White belt
If you take to BJJ for more than 2 to 3 days of training per week, you might consider getting a second Gi and perhaps upgrading to a nicer premium fabric option.
You will also need a belt. Often, a Gi will come with a white belt, which is where you’ll start anyways.
Once you get your first promotion, your instructor will typically provide the next belt.
The following Gis offer a range of price points and value depending on your current BJJ gear needs and budget.
Gameness Feather Gi 2.0 Jiu-Jitsu Gi
The Gameness Feather Gi 2.0 features a heavy 450 GSM (grams per square meter), 100% cotton pearl weave. The feel of this Jiu Jitsu Gi improves as you use it, so expect to break it in over the first few weeks of training.
In our experience, the Gameness Feather 2.0 Gi top is fairly soft out of the box, but the pants are a bit stiffer and require a few training sessions and washings before you can expect to match the feel of the Gi top.
The Gameness Feather Gi 2.0 comes in three colors: white, black, and blue, which are all generally allowed in IBJJF tournaments.
If you are looking for a good combination of price, value, and comfort, the Gameness Feather 2.0 Jiu Jitsu Gi is definitely worth adding to your BJJ equipment bag.
Fuji Everyday Porrada BJJ Gi
When it comes to top Jiu Jitsu training equpiment, the Fuji brand is certainly worth mentioning. The Fuji Everyday Porrada BJJ Gi is a lightweight, all-purpose Gi. Constructed with rip-stop fabric and a 350 GSM Pearl Weave Gi Jacket, this Gi combines solid durability without sacrificing mobility or risking overheating when training in warmer areas.
With that said, if you do train in a colder environment, this Gi may be a bit too light. Additionally, the lighter weave makes it easier to grip, so if you are competing in Jiu Jitsu, you might consider a slightly heavier weave to reduce your opponent’s ability to grip.
Finally, at ~$180 USD, this Gi is approaching mid-to-high price range, so if budget is a concern, then this Gi may not be the best. Nevertheless, the price does ultimately result in a higher-quality Gi overall.
Everyday Porrada is a term that essentially means “grinding after it everyday to reach your goals.” The Fuji Everyday Porrada BJJ Gi reflects that value with its triple reinforced ripstop pants, mesh paneling, and a visually appealing contrast stitching.
All of this is to say, if you need a lightweight BJJ Gi that has the durability to withstand the grind of daily Jiu Jitsu training, the Fuji Everyday Porrada BJJ Gi is definitely worth considering.
Progress Featherlight Competition Gi
If your budget for Jiu Jitsu equipment and BJJ gear is limited, then going with an affordable Gi that still delivers quality is the right move.
On that note, we highly recommend the Progress Featherlight Competition Gi. While this Gi is designed to be IBJJF competition-legal with a combination of durability and medium weight, its perfectly fine for daily training as well.
Given its relatively low price of about ~$130 USD, you can expect it to have more “quirks” than the more expensive Gis. In particular, be sure to purchase a slightly bigger Gi size since the Progress Featherlight Competition Gi does tend to shrink.
Jiu Jitsu Rash Guards
Rash guards are typically made of synthetic material such as a spandex-polyester blends and are designed to be tight and form-fitting on your upper body.
In No Gi BJJ, the rash guard is the standard upper body attire and is an absolute must-have. While you might get away with a cotton shirt for some period, cotton gets stinky very quickly and gets ruined.
Don’t be the guy six-months into Jiu Jitsu training looking like you showed up for a basketball scrimmage.
When training in a Jiu Jitsu Gi, wearing a rash guard underneath your Gi jacket can reduce any chaffing from the inside of the Gi.
It also offers another layer of protection from the mat, which can harbor some nasty stuff and give you a nice mat burn in of itself.
Rash guards come in a variety of styles and colors. Some rash guards are ‘ranked,’ meaning they have some coloration on them in line with the BJJ belt system that shows your rank even in No Gi when you won’t be wearing the standard belt.
Ranked rash guards are a new phenomenon and are not a requirement in most BJJ schools.
Additional rash guard options include a variety of colors, logos, and prints. Also, most rash guards are available in short and long sleeve, depending on your preference.
As with Gis, the women’s rashguards are often geared more towards female body types, as well as more feminine graphics – although many women find the standard rash guards work just fine.
If you plan to train No Gi Jiu Jitsu, then a BJJ rashguard is necessary for several reasons.
First of all, the synthetic material in Jiu Jitsu rashguards does not soak in sweat and bacteria to the same extent as a cotton T-shirt, keeping both you and your training partners free from dealing with a stinky shirt.
Additionally, rashguards fit tighter than traditional clothing, reducing the risk of getting your fingers or feet twisted up in sweaty cotton fabric.
Personally, we prefer long sleeve rashguards for better protection from mat burn.
Note: you still need to wash your rashguard after every training session.
Looking to buy a rash guard now? The following are a few of our top picks.
Break Point Jiu Jitsu Life Rashguard
Break Point is a great Jiu Jitsu apparel company that specializes in premium quality Jiu Jitsu gear. Unlike existing massive brands, Break Point relies on quality, not simply a brand name, when it comes to their success.
For a durable long sleeve Jiu Jitsu rashguard, we highly recommend the Break Point Jiu Jitsu Life Rashguard for several reasons.
First of all, the fully sublimated material ensures less cracking and fading of the material, which commonly occurs with low-end rash guards. Furthermore, Break Point Jiu Jitsu Rashguards are tailored to prevent ride up during grappling, avoiding the classic “belly dancer” look when rolling.
One downside is the limited design options. You pretty much have one standard design to choose from, so if customization of colors and logos matters to you, that won’t be an option here.
Nevertheless, at around $60 USD per Jiu Jitsu rashguard, the Break Point Jiu Jitsu Life Rashguard delivers a long lasting, durable piece of Jiu Jitsu equipment, color limitations notwithstanding.
Read the complete Break Point Jiu Jitsu Life Rash Guard review here.
Fuji High Impact Rashguard
As with the Fuji Jiu Jitsu Gis, the Fuji BJJ rashguards are a reliable, affordable way to stock up your Jiu Jitsu equipment bag for both traditional BJJ and No Gi Jiu Jitsu gear.
The Fuji High Impact Rashguard is constructed from anti-microbial fabric that helps prevent the classic “stinky rashguard” effect that plagues Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu equipment alike.
As with other rashguards we like, the graphic Fuji branding is fully sublimated onto the Jiu Jitsu rashguard, enhancing the durability and visual appeal of the rashguard.
One standout feature is the soft underarm panels. Anyone who has worn No Gi BJJ equipment knows that the armpits can quickly get chaffed with low quality BJJ rashguards. Fuji takes it a step further, ensuring comfort around the chest-shoulder-armpit seam that allows a much better Jiu Jitsu training experience.
You are limited in design options with the Jiu Jitsu rashguard, but personally we thought the branding was cool enough that this wasn’t a big concern.
At $50-$60 USD per rashguard, the Fuji High Impact Rashguard is a solid go-to for great No Gi Jiu Jitsu equipment.
BJJ Religion Fundamental Ranked Rashguard
If you are used to training in Gi, one of the weirdest things in No Gi Jiu Jitsu is stepping onto a mat and not necessarily knowing the rank of the person you are rolling with.
While most of us are used to this, with the advent of ranked No Gi Jiu Jitsu rashguards, you now have the option to display your BJJ belt rank on your No Gi equipment.
The BJJ Religion Fundamental Ranked Rashguard is an excellent rashguard if you are looking for a simple, clean logo and design that includes your rank.
The rank is displayed on the left sleeve, denoted by the entire sleeve reflecting the BJJ belt rank (white, blue, purple etc).
With 4-way stretch fabric made from 82% polyester and 18% spandex, this rashguard does a great job of keeping you from overheating via sweat wicking while also providing mobility and comfort.
If you are looking for a ranked No Gi Jiu Jitsu rashguard, the BJJ Religion Fundamental Ranked Rashguard is an excellent choice at just under $55 USD retail.
No Gi Jiu Jitsu Shorts
Shorts are a requirement for fully kitted-out No Gi Jiu Jitsu equipment. While you might start training and be okay to wear basketball or other athletic shorts, in the long run you need non-cotton BJJ shorts without pockets.
Additionally, most No Gi Jiu Jitsu shorts include some way of securing the drawstrings with Velcro, or some other means of avoiding snags, tangles, and other mishaps.
Its worth mentioning that both males and females should wear some form of tight-fitting undergarment under your shorts if they do not have an existing underlayer to keep everything ‘in place’ (looking at you male grapplers out there in particular).
The sooner you get your No Gi BJJ shorts, the less of a grappling noob you’ll be when you show up for No Gi.
Check out the following options for some of the best No Gi shorts at a range of prices.
Fuji Ultimate Grappling Shorts
There’s a reason the Fuji brand tends to come up over-and-over again in our Jiu Jitsu equipment reviews. Put simply, Fuji consistently delivers amazing value at reasonable prices.
No Gi Jiu Jitsu shorts are no exception for the Fuji excellence. The Fuji Ultimate Grappling Shorts certainly make our top 3 list when it comes to BJJ shorts.
These shorts do feature an underliner that prevents the need for additional spats or undergarments. Thankfully, the Fuji design allows each layer to move separately, preventing any binding between the liner and shorts during dynamic movements in Jiu Jitsu.
360 degree stretch panels allow complete mobility and range of motion during rolling, regardless of how stretched out you get.
We do wish there were more color options, although you can pick between black, Army green, and Navy blue.
Nevertheless, the Fuji Ultimate Grappling Shorts are advertised as “the last grappling shorts you will ever need” for a reason. At ~$55 USD per pair, it’s a tough deal to pass up.
BJJ Religion Basic Series Grappling Shorts
Price: starts at $41 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Comfortable four-way stretch fabric for full range of motion
- Reasonably lightweight and breathable for a cool and unrestricted feel
- Sturdy construction that holds up well enough after multiple rolling sessions and washes.
Cons:
- No styling or color options
- Not as many features as more expensive options
- Polyester can get a bit uncomfortable during long and intense sessions on the mat
Review
The BJJ Religion Basic Series Grappling Shorts recently caught my attention and I was pleasantly surprised when I put them in action. Are they the greatest pair of shorts for grappling? Probably not, but for their price point, they offer a comfortable fit thanks to their four-way stretch fabric which facilitates full range of motion during intensive training sessions.
The shorts are relatively lightweight and allow for adequate breathability, so I stayed cool and unrestricted while training. To be straight, polyester is not my favorite material to train in, but with the added 4 way stretch it seems to make up for that shortcoming.
The stitching and overall manufacturing of the shorts is comparable to its competitors, withstanding multiple washes and sessions on the mat while maintaining its quality. Overall, if you’re looking for good value in a pair of shorts for grappling, the BJJ Religion Basic Series is definitely worth considering.
Sanabul Men’s Compression Base Layer Workout Shorts
Price: starts at $13 USD
Pros:
- Good for both Gi and No Gi Jiu Jitsu as well as other forms of grappling
- Comfortable waistband with minimal rub points
- Premium feeling material with ample stretch
Cons:
- Stitching can be rough and uncomfortable during long sessions
- Tightness is more like an athletic boxer brief
- Limited color options and inseam lengths.
Review
I gave the Sanabul Men’s Compression Base Layer Workout Shorts a run as they have some positive reviews for its fit, quality, and affordable price. The fabric had a fairly smooth texture and held up through several intense sessions on the mat and the compression fit was definitely a plus. Keep in mind these are essentially a glorified pair of boxer briefs, but they work well in training compared to your run of the mill briefs from Walmart for sure.
I wasn’t necessarily a fan of the stitching as it did cause a bit of discomfort when doing two a day sessions, but for the casual Jiu Jitsu or grappling practitioner they get the job done.They also hold up well when it comes to doing the laundry. Definitely a good buy for the price point if you are just doing BJJ, grappling or wrestling for the work out.
Basically, they are worth it for the entry level grappler looking to get into the sport and aren’t a bad choice to start rolling.
BJJ Spats
Spats are basically just leggings made of the same synthetic spandex-polyester blend found in most rash guards.
Spats are typically worn underneath No Gi shorts for additional protection from mat burn.
Spats also keep male practitioners from (NSFW) accidentally T-bagging their partner when going for a mounted triangle.
Some practitioners wear spats under their Gi pants to protect against chaffing, but this is more of a personal preference.
Many women and some men choose to only wear spats without shorts on top – while we can’t condone this (especially for you guys out there), if you are going to go ‘spats only,’ make sure they are ‘squat proof,’ meaning they won’t become see-through from stretching when you sit into a deep squat.
The following are our top picks for the best BJJ spats.
Fuji Special Ops Grappling Spats Black
Price: starts at $60 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Great Fit
- Sleek Design
- Good freedom for movement
Cons:
- Would be nice to have color options
Review
As a practicing martial artist, I have tried many different brands of grappling spats and I have to say, the Fuji Special Ops Grappling Spats have quickly become my new favorite. The fit is tight, yet still allows for full range of motion, and the material is durable enough to withstand the demands of intense training sessions. I also appreciate that they have a simple, sleek design that can easily be incorporated into my training gear.
In addition to their functionality, the black color has held up well after multiple washes and hasn’t shown any signs of fading. Overall, I am definitely satisfied with my purchase of the Fuji Spec Ops Spats and would highly recommend them to any martial artist looking for a reliable and stylish grappling base layer.
BJJ Religion Basic Grappling Spats
Price: starts at $40 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Durable
- Comfortable during extensive training
Cons:
- No color options
- Could be a little more breathable
Review
These are a good pair of midrange grappling spats. They aren’t going to compete with the more expensive options, but they have solid construction and hold up well during sessions on the mat. I found them to be fairly comfortable when rolling even during long and intense training. Some of the team didn’t feel they were breathable enough, but I didn’t have much of an issue with that personally.
Overall, for a pair of basic grappling spats that won’t break the bank, BJJ Religion comes through. The stitching is generally comfortable and they seem pretty durable even after several washes and a number of one to two hour training sessions – but only time will tell.
Hawk Sports Mens Compression Pants
Price: starts at $10 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Good for multiple sports
- Solid grip for transitions and subs
Cons:
- Material doesn’t breath as well as other spats
- Stitching isn’t the best
- Hand wash only
Review
The Hawk Sports Men’s Compression Pants seem to be pretty popular among the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling community, probably due to their low cost. So we grabbed a pair and gave them a roll. The pants are made of thick, durable material that stays in place without the need for constant adjustments, which is nice. The fit is generally well-tailored and reasonably comfortable, making them a solid choice for other martial arts and sports as well.
You can see the reviews on these are kind of all over the place and it was no different when we tried them out. They definitely aren’t the most breathable spats on the market, making it pretty uncomfortable when rolling for long periods I found. I was pretty hot right out the gate and it was a compounding effect from there. They aren’t as bad in No Gi situations, but if you are a traditional Gi BJJ practitioner then these may not be a good choice. They also aren’t as durable as the more expensive options, but if you just need some spats and don’t have the coin to drop on the higher tier options, these will probably suit your needs.
Mouthpiece
You need a mouthpiece. Period. Full stop.
While some practitioners might choose to roll without one, you are asking to get your teeth cracked in the event of impact. If you grapple for decades, sooner or later it will happen.
Additionally, fighting through chokes is no fun when your teeth are slicing the inside of your lips into deli meat.
The typical mouthpiece is ‘boil and bite,’ which means you need it to roughly fit your mouth and then you’ll boil it and bite into it while it’s hot and soft to mold it to your mouth.
There are also high-end custom mouthpieces available, but these require a professional to take a mould of your mouth and then build the mouthpiece in a factory based on your individual specs.
While custom mouthpieces are great, starting with a boil and bite is your best bet, and they are inexpensive compared to dental work to repair your shattered teeth.
Check out the following mouthpieces if you still need to pick one up.
New Age Performance Sports Mouth Guard
Price: starts at $40 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Breathability
- Quality
- Comes with a nice case
Cons:
- A little to Thick
- No instructions in the package
Review
I’ve been fighting off and on in multiple martial arts, mostly Muay Thai and MMA, for almost two decades. I also played American Football and Rugby, so I have a lot of experience with mouth guards and getting hit in the face. So I picked up the New Age Performance Sports Mouth Guard to give a test. Like most mouthguards it was easy and quick to fit. I tested it out in some Muay Thai hard sparring sessions, got lit up pretty good with a right cross and my teeth felt fine.
I also put it to the test in some MMA BJJ sparring and it held up pretty good. In general I could breath well for the most part during both types of sparring and came away from it with my teeth fully intact and no pain, so this mouth guard seems to be a pretty good buy. It is a little thick for my liking, but that is just a matter of personal taste I think. I must say though it seems to be better suited for Football or Rugby than Jiu Jitsu – even though it says it’s for boxing. But overall I’d say New Age Performance did a solid job with this one and it’s worth the extra coin.
Kinetic BJJ Mouthguard
Price: starts at $23 USD
Color Options: white
Pros:
- Sleek design
- Thickness is good
Cons:
- Not as much protection
- Not suitable for full contact martial arts
Review
This middle of the road mouthguard definitely has a good look. I put it to the test the same way in hard sparring and it was generally comfortable. The thickness of the mouthpiece is more ideal for BJJ in my opinion but what it makes up for in that regard it loses in overall quality when compared to the New Age Performance mouthguard. But hey, it’s also half the price and it still gets the job done.
If you are looking for a mouthguard that is generally solid, looks sharp and has good breathability, then the Kinetic BJJ mouthguard should be right up your alley. But I probably wouldn’t recommend it for full contact martial arts.
Shock Doctor Pro Mouthguard
Price: starts at $15 USD
Color Options:
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Acceptable protection
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit well
- Boring design
Review
Well, I can confirm that the Shock Doctor Pro is indeed a mouthguard, but not much more. I didn’t bother with full contact sparring as I couldn’t seem to get it to fit right, but I did roll with it and it wasn’t terrible. Not that it’s the most important thing for a fighter or Jiu Jitsu practitioner, but the look of this BJJ mouthguard is plain and pails in comparison to the Kinetic and New Age Performance mouth pieces I reviewed above.
But hey, for $15 it’s not a bad option if you are on a budget and aren’t training in MMA BJJ. You have to cut a little off of the back of the mouthguard as it’s a little long and may not fit everyone.
BJJ Headgear
Headgear is arguably the most optional piece of equipment on our essentials list.
The purpose of headgear is protecting your ears from cauliflower ear, and as such they are common in wrestling.
Some individuals are more susceptible to cauliflower ear than others, so you may or may not need headgear.
Nevertheless, if any aspect of your career depends on your not looking like Shrek, you should consider getting headgear if you start developing cauliflower ear.
Additionally, if you do end up getting cauliflower ear, you must let it harden up before touching your ear, even if it’s drained. As such, wearing headgear can let you train sooner while avoiding additional contact with your ear, even if you don’t mind a little collie.
Check out some of these headgear options if you don’t yet have headgear.
Cliff Keen F5 Tornado Headgear
Price: starts at $45 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Great system for hearing
- Good ear protection
- Solid construction
Cons:
- Straps aren’t the best
- Can be uncomfortable for training partners
Review
This headgear is pretty solid for both rolling and wrestling training and I definitely liked the design for the ears. I could easily hear and it still kept my ears safe. Having had my ears drained a number of times to avoid cauliflower ear this is a very important aspect to me. Call me vain, but I like my ears looking like a normal human as opposed to a Farrangi from Star Trek.
I did notice that the straps are a bit of a pain and the headgear actually came off a couple of times while rolling, which was annoying for sure. So I may not recommend the Cliff Keen F5 Tornado to Jiu Jitsu practitioners during competition, but it was not a big deal in practice and it only happened a couple of times. The only other downside was that a couple of my training partners complained about the plastic being a bit annoying when rolling with me. I’d say around 80% of my rolling partners had no issue with it, so this wouldn’t stop me from recommending it.
Gold BJJ Headgear
Price: starts at $35 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Good ear protection
- Lightweight
- Durable
Cons:
- Not actually one size fits all
- Could be more comfortable
- Velcro not good for kids with longer hair
Review
This kids BJJ headgear touts itself as one size fits all and offers pretty solid protection for the ears while also allowing the wearer to hear their coach. We ordered a couple of them in and had some of the students at my local gym try them out to see what they thought of it. Most of the kids reported back that it was generally pretty comfortable on the ears and that it fit well for the most part. Although there were a few of them who’s heads wouldn’t fit, so it’s not technically one size fits all – which is a little misleading in the advertising.
Also, there were some complaints about the velcro straps, especially with the girls saying it was catching in their hair. Once we got them in and had a look, I noticed the construction is a little wonky with the way they have attached the straps on the inside of the headgear. Overall though, for the price, the Gold BJJ headgear isn’t a bad option for your kid(s) as long as they don’t have an oversized head for their age.
Roar Wrestling Ear Guard
Price: starts at $19 USD
Color Options: multiple color
Pros:
- Good ear protection
- Tons of styling and color options
- Good fit and adjustable
Cons:
- Chin strap isn’t that comfortable
- Can’t hear as well as other BJJ headgear
- Bulky
Review
Roar is a pretty well known brand in the martial arts community and for the price you’d be hard pressed to find a better option. I personally like the Roar Wrestling Ear Guard. It’s a straight forward, no frills approach to BJJ headgear. It is a bit bulky, but I didn’t have any trouble getting out of a fairly tight arm triangle while sparring and I definitely got slammed on my ears a number of times during the session – no issue.
The chin strap could be re-designed to be a bit more comfortable, but it isn’t the end of the world. I did however find it a bit harder to hear my coaches than the other BJJ headgear I’ve tested out. That being said, I could still hear them, but I have the equivalent of 20/20 vision when it comes to hearing – so it may be an issue for some people. Overall, I would recommend the Roar Ear Guard if you are looking for solid BJJ headgear on a budget.
Jiu Jitsu Accessories
BJJ accessories are helpful items that go beyond Jiu Jitsu apparel and BJJ atire. These include things like BJJ
BJJ Bag
A Jiu Jitsu bag is a key piece of BJJ equipment that every grappler should purchase.
BJJ gear gets stinky, even if you wash your BJJ Gi and belt every time you use it.
As such, its worth having a designated BJJ gym bag that isn’t your overnight suitcase, normal gym bag, or school backpack.
This can be a Jiu Jitsu backpack, Gi bag, or other designated BJJ gear bag.
Putting a sweaty Gi in any gym bag will leave a smell and keeping non-BJJ stuff out of that bag is the best way to ‘compartmentalize your stink’ and avoid any cross-contamination with your everyday clothing. The bottom line is, a Jiu Jitsu gym bag is a must-have for any serious grappler.
The following are some great picks for purpose-built BJJ gym bags.
Fuji Comp Convertible Backpack Duffle
Price: starts at $69 USD
Pros:
- Excellent material
- Easy for travel
- Multiple color options
Cons:
- A bit bulky
- Not easy to use all compartments
Review
Every avid Jiu Jitsu practitioner knows that having the right gym bag is incredibly important. If you are looking for a solid option, the Fuji Comp Convertible Backpack and Duffle Bag is probably on your list. The YouJiuJitsu crew picked up one of these and passed it around between us for about a week each just to see what everyone thought of the product. I love the functionality of the backpack/duffle set up. It makes for easy travel on public transport and just all around makes getting to and from the gym with your gear a more pleasant experience.
The material is great, but there are some downsides. I didn’t have any trouble with it, but some of the team found it to be more bulky than it was worth considering the amount of storage space. I will admit that it’s not the best when it comes to keeping things organized as some compartments do interfere with the others. Meaning, you have to plan the way you are going to pack the thing in order to get the full use out of it. Again, not that big of a deal, just food for thought. Overall, the team agrees the Fuji is a good option for your BJJ gym bag.
JIU JITSU Embroidered Champion Backpack
Price: starts at $50 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- It’s from an established company
- Water resistant
Cons:
- It’s not really a BJJ gym bag
- Only comes in black
- To small for serious Gi Jiu Jitsu practitioners
Review
Unless you were born under a rock and lived there for the last century you have probably heard of Champion. They have been making products in the fight and sports world for ages so of course they are going to tap into the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu community. This BJJ gym bag is pretty straightforward and is definitely smaller than the Fuji by a large margin. If you are a No Gi BJJ practitioner then this bag would probably be a good fit. My Gi basically took up the entire bag and I am one of those that wears the lighter Gi style.
Here’s the thing, it’s basically a glorified backpack with the word Jitsu embroidered onto it, most likely in a sweatshop somewhere in Asia or Bangladesh. You’re probably better off buying a JanSport backpack, going to a local embroidery shop to put “Jitsu”on it and calling it a day.
BJJ Drawstring Gi Bag
Price: starts at $23 USD
Color Options: white
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
- Has acronym BJJ printed on it
Cons:
- Uncomfortable to carry
- To small to carry basically any gear
- It’s basically just a sack
Review
This is sort of a similar review to the Champion BJJ gym bag realistically. It’s definitely not going to fit all of your gear if you are a serious BJJ practitioner or competitor. It is light weight though and easy to wash, so there is that. Maybe this can work for you No Gi Jiu Jitsu peeps out there, but I wasn’t a big fan.
It’s basically just a sack with BJJ printed on it. There is literally nothing to the thing and it’s honestly not easy to carry and uncomfortable. I guess it’s only $23ish so maybe that’s a plus. It could be a cool gift though for a kid that is interested in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to use as a book bag.
BJJ Sandals
This might be something you don’t think about, but proper footwear is key for being prepared for BJJ training.
The most cringey, gross thing we typically see white belts do is walk around on the bare, non-mat floor with their bare feet and then step back on the mat.
Worst of all is watching someone walk barefoot into the bathroom and then nonchalantly walk back onto the mats.
Having a pair of sandals or flip flops off to the side is crucial for ensuring you can quickly pop on some footwear when you hit the bathroom or grab a drink of water.
While you can slip on your normal shoes in the worst-case scenario, even that is kind of gross.
Just get some sandals, ladies and gents!
You can order them right now using one of the following links.
Gold BJJ Slides – Jiu Jitsu Sandals
Price: starts at $30 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Easy to keep clean
- Made by BJJ practitioners
Cons:
- Sizes are a little off
- No color choices
Review
If you are a BJJ gym owner, then you know the dangers of spreading bacteria on the mats. These Gold BJJ slides are a great product for your gym to carry to help with that problem. Heck, why not throw in a pair when someone signs a 1 year membership. At $30 I found these slides comfortable for sure. They are also easy to maintain and clean. I only wear them at the gym in order to make sure that they are clean and bacteria free.
There was a small issue with the fit however. I’m lucky because my feet are super weird and all broken up from years of professional Muay Thai. I mean, you should see them, they are hilarious. But as a result, I usually buy shoes and sandals one size larger so my crooked toes and arch of my foot can fit. But keep in mind if you buy the Gold BJJ slides that you probably want to buy at least one size larger than you usually wear, maybe more.
Tatami Sliders
Price: starts at $27 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- They breath well, so less sweaty feet
- Slowly for to your feet for a more comfortable fit
Cons:
- Sizing is a bit off
- They are a little narrow at first
Review
The Tatami Sliders are more comfortable then most in my opinion. I also find that my feet get less sweaty in them than other brands. Maybe its cool little divots that they have on them, not sure. But they are a pretty great option if you are looking for a reasonably priced BJJ slider.
I did find them to be a tad bit narrow at first, but that sort of went away after a couple of weeks. Like the Gold sliders, I ordered the next size up to accommodate my messed up feet. There seems to be an issue with sizing across the board with BJJ sliders for whatever reason.
Rio BJJ Flip Flops
Price: starts at $22 USD
Color Options: black Y-shaped rubber straps
Pros:
- Picture of Rio De Janeiro that your foot covers
- They make the flip flop sound correctly when you walk
Cons:
- The straps aren’t very comfortable
- No support for the arch of your foot
Review
I’m not necessarily certain where the BJJ element is with these flip flops, but I ordered them anyway to try them out and let you all know my opinion. I guess the picture of Rio De Janeiro is enough for these guys to connect them to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Beyond that I have no idea what the correlation is. They are pretty simple flip flops. They both flip and then flop when you walk as they are meant to I suppose, so there is that.
I found the rubber straps to be more like rigid plastic, but maybe they will break in once I get enough calluses on the top of my feet. When it comes to practical footwear for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu during the transition from the regular world to the mat, I find slides to be quite a bit more functional.
These are kind of like what I would expect to find at a night market in South East Asia for $1.50. For $22 bucks you may as well just hop in an uber, go to the closest $1 store, buy 11 pairs of plastic flip flops, give 7 pairs to the local homeless shelter and keep the other 3 to use in the gym’s shower.
The Pro BJJ Training Equipment
If you are in BJJ for the long haul, you will likely invest in more than just the essentials.
Pro BJJ tools aren’t just for competitive athletes.
If you train BJJ even casually a few times per week, you will eventually want some of the following gear.
Foam Rollers and Trigger Point Tools
Foam rollers and similar trigger point release/self-massage tools are a must-have for long term practitioners.
Training BJJ takes a big toll on the body, and proper recovery becomes essential. Rolling out stiff muscles before and after class can help prevent injuries, aid in recovery, and generally feels pretty good if you tend to have muscular and soft tissue aches and pains.
Foam rollers are the classic and most basic tool for self-massage, however, they are not always the best at getting those hard-to-reach trigger points in your shoulders and hips.
Additional trigger point tools include LaCrosse size balls with texture, the ‘peanut’ style double balls for hitting your spinal erectors, and other assorted trigger point tools.
Latest and greatest trigger point tools include the ‘Pso-Rite’ style tools for getting deep into your tissues – be sure to start gently!
Check out the following tools if you are looking for a good foam roller, massage ball, or Pso-Rite.
Massage Roller
Price: starts at $28 USD
Color Options: black, blue, orange
Pros:
- Well built
- Easy to use
- Effective
Cons:
- Might be unsuitable for people of large stature
- Doesn’t come in pink
Review
When you roll a lot, you know that there are going to be times when you get in a position that tweeks your back. It’s just an unfortunate fact in the life of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu addict. You’re making a transition or trying to improve position and BAM – you feel that awful sensation that tells you it’s time to tap out for a week and heal. This foam massage roller can definitely help you get recovered faster and back to what you love most – being on the mat.
This is a pretty simple, but well designed product that I use regularly. It really helps to relieve any built up tension. Thing is, even though I love BJJ, I have a straight up phobia of massages. There is just something about it that I can’t stand, so having this roller helps me to take care of nagging back issues. It can also work as a good neck rest if you have a TV on the ceiling, which I don’t, but it would make for some great Netflix and chill now that I think about it. Definitely worth the money in my opinion for the avid BJJ practitioner.
You can also watch this video for a brief breakdown on using foam rollers.
Defense Wipes
Defense wipes are basically baby wipes with a strong tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, or other natural disinfectant liquid on them. These are less of BJJ training equipment and fall into the category of ‘BJJ hygiene equipment’ – so to speak.
You typically use defense wipes after class if you cannot shower right away. Wipe down your shins, arms, hands, and even face to kill off nasty ringworm, staph, and other germs without the need for harsh disinfectants – just be careful around your eyes.
Also, for the record, defense wipes are not suitable for babies.
Check out the following defense wipe products and protect yourself from skin infections.
Gold BJJ Jiu Jitsu Wipes Tea Tree Oil
Price: starts at $13 USD
Color Options:
Pros:
- Works to stave off BJJ funk
- Refreshing sensation
- Sanitary
Cons:
- Container is bulky
- Wipes are pretty thin
Review
Let’s face it, any sport where people get sweaty and are in close contact leads to some swapping of bacteria and unsavory smells. Since BJJ is basically all close contact, sweaty and you are often switching partners – keeping clean is a good idea. I’ll be honest in that I am not a fan of the smell of Tea Tree. It reminds me of several 5am dancefloors at Burning Man where the playa hippies try to hide the smell that can only come from days without a shower in the desert. But these are actually pretty nice and I felt clean and fresh after using them.
The downside is that if you have some five o’clock shadow going on, which most BJJ guys I know do in the 6pm or 8pm class, these little buggers turn into a shredded nightmare in seconds. I also don’t really like the container it comes in as it takes up a lot of space, but I like them anyway. I would say give them a shot.
Athletic Tape
At some point in BJJ, you will need athletic tape.
Athletic tape can be used for all sorts of things.
You can tape your fingers to prevent and manage the typical hand and finger pains from all that heavy Gi gripping.
You can also use athletic tape to wrap up blistered or cut toes or fingers, minor sprains, and other assorted issues.
While your training partners might be OK to ‘loan you’ tape occasionally, your best bet is to keep a roll or two in your BJJ gym bag for when the situation arises.
Groin Protector
A groin protector is probably the most optional piece of gear on the list, and realistically unless you do MMA you may never wear it. It’s typically worn by male athletes although some women may choose to wear a groin protector or athletic cup as well.
Groin protectors are sometimes banned in BJJ competition because they give you better leverage on armbars that can be an unfair advantage. Always check your tournament’s ruleset ahead of time if you plan to wear a cup.
Nevertheless, if you are prone to taking hits to the baby-makers, consider investing in a groin protector for training.
Diamond MMA Athletic Cup Groin Protector w/ Soft Rim
Price: starts at $35 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Great Protection
- Well made product
Cons:
- Gets a little sweaty down there
- Slight problem with chafing in long training sessions
Review
If you roll long enough, you are going to get hit in the groin at some point. We all know that isn’t fun if you aren’t wearing the proper protection. Thing is, there are a lot of choices out there and some of them can be really uncomfortable. With the Diamond MMA Athletic Cup I felt like it did the job pretty well. I did some hard MMA sparring with it and caught an errant inside leg kick right in the jigglies, it still hurt, but I feel the cup did its job pretty well considering the clean contact from my partner’s foot.
I did find that it doesn’t breathe as much as I would like, but that was worth the protection it offered. The other thing I noticed was a bit of chaffing on my legs, but that was probably because I tend to overtrain and spend too much time in the gym. Overall it’s a good product in my opinion and worth the investment.
RDX Groin Protector Cup Men
Price: starts at $17 USD
Color Options: black, white
Pros:
- Not too restrictive for movement
- Holds the cup well in place
Cons:
- The cup itself isn’t well designed
- Stiching can lead to issues with extended use
Review
The RDX Groin Protector Cup is a bit more than just a cup, it’s an apparatus that a cup is inserted into. The cup itself is a bit of a generic let down, but that actually isn’t a big deal – you can always buy a better cup to put in it. Maybe even take the Diamond MMA athletic cup and add it into the mix.
The stitching isn’t anything to write home about, so with extended use for the martial artist or BJJ practitioner it may not hold up as long as you may hope. For me, the fit wasn’t bad per say, but it could be better realistically. Overall for the price, this isn’t a bad set, just consider buying another cup to use with it – the thing will keep a good cup in place if nothing else.
BJJ Knee Pads
Knee injuries are incredibly common in BJJ. These include both injuries from getting torqued-on during training as well as the repeated impact of wrestling shots and the general moving around on your knees.
Knees were not meant to be the primary contact point between you and the ground, but this is simply part of grappling.
Some good knee pads are very helpful if your knees are prone to impact, or if you need the extra compression when managing those nagging knee injuries.
We recommend getting knee pads meant for grappling and combat sports as opposed to volleyball pads or knee sleeves, which do not offer adequate protection from impact.
The following knee pads will protect your knees from impact and provide support.
Deluxe MiM-Foam Knee Pads – Leather
Price: starts at $65 USD
Color Options: black
Pros:
- Strong construction
- Leather works well for protection
Cons:
- They take a little bit to break in
- Bulky
- Specific for MMA training
Review
These bad boys may be a bit of overkill for general Jiu Jitsu, but they work well for MMA and wrestling training sessions. Obviously these are made for No Gi situations. I don’t usually use knee pads, but the YouJiuJitsu team wanted to check them out, so here I am.
The leather takes a minute to break in, but once it is, the Deluxe MiM Foam Knee pads become fairly limber. I found them to be a pretty good fit and didn’t have to pull them up and reposition them much during long training sessions which was a plus. They are a bit bulky though and I kind of felt like Stone Cold Steve Austin when I had them on in the gym. If you are looking for knee pads, whether it’s due to an injury to your patella or just want to protect your knees, these should do the trick.
McDavid Knee Pad
Price: starts at $32
Color Options: black/scarlet
Pros:
- Gel knee pad is good in multiple positions
- Not bulky
- Good for movement
Cons:
- Falls down often if you have bigger thighs
- Material on the back of the knee can be uncomfortable in certain positions
Review
After giving the MiM leather a shot, I wanted to try something that is more geared towards BJJ training then MMA and Wrestling. The McDavid Knee Pad didn’t disappoint and was much less bulky, which made it a lot easier to move around in mount as well as guard. Transitions were easier to pull off and improving position off my back was smooth as well.
I did however find myself pulling them up and repositioning frequently. I come from a Muay Thai pedigree, so my thighs are kind of large which may account for the issue. There was also a bit of an uncomfortable pinch on the back of the knee while sparring from the material bunching up, but it wasn’t that bad realistically. The gel knee pad made for great protection and comfortability when in mount. Not a bad buy in my opinion.
KO Sports Gear’s Black and Grey Neoprene Knee Pad
Price: starts at $18 USD
Color Options: black, gray
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable
- Breathable
Cons:
- Not as much protection
- May want to order a size up
Review
If you are on a budget, the KO Sports Gear neoprene knee pad is a solid option for the price. Does it have all the protection of the more expensive models? No, but I found them to be quite comfortable and actually ended up using them more often than the others reviewed here by the YouJiuJitsu team. They are fairly high quality for the price point and the stitching is comfortable.
I did however find that the pair I ordered were a bit snug, though it wasn’t enough to stop me from using them. I’m pretty sure these babies will have a long lifespan as well. They have so far shown no signs of wear and tear in around a month of rolling 5 days a week. So if you just need a little support and don’t want to spring for the more expensive options out there, I would recommend these.
Next Level BJJ Training Gear
The following section contains just a few items that can really take your BJJ to the next level.
These are not hard requirements for training, but if you’re as fanatic about BJJ as we are, it might behoove you to pick up some of these items.
BJJ Training Journal
If you already do BJJ, you’ve probably had the experience of learning a new move in class, thinking it’s the greatest thing ever, and completely forgetting it by the end of the week.
This is common. Normal, even.
The solution?
Journaling.
While it may sound boring or trite, if you get home after class and immediately document what you learned in writing, it will work wonders for improving retention and speeding up your progress in BJJ.
Additionally, you will be able to look back over time and see your progress documented, which for some of us helps us stay motivated, consistent, and on-track with out BJJ training.
While you can certainly use a standard notebook for tracking BJJ, there are a few purpose-built BJJ journals out there.
These journals include sections specifically meant for BJJ practioners to help them document exactly what happened at class.
Sections typically include:
- date and time of class
- class themes
- techniques covered
- sparring and rolling notes
- reflection section and areas to improve on
Check out the following selection of BJJ journals and elevate your progress today!
Jiu-Jitsu Training Journal
Price: starts at $18 USD
Color Options: black, grey
Pros:
- Well laid out
- Spaces for specific types of notes
- Ample room for note taking
Cons:
- It’s basically just a planner with a few bells and whistles
Review
If you are wanting to up your BJJ game and get to that next belt, then you may want to consider starting a journal to document your efforts, accomplishments and things you need to work on. This schedule style planner is there when you need it to do just that. Jaught down notes in between training sessions, bust it out when your coach is giving a broad lesson or lecture to the class so you don’t forget etc. It’s a pretty good little planner that is well designed for the BJJ practitioner.
It has spaces for writing notes for each session and is well laid out, which I liked. You could however probably achieve most of this with a cheaper, regular planner realistically – but you would have to put in the leg work to design your own system of organization. If you don’t want to do that, then this is a good option to start tracking your progress and improving your performance on the mat.
Grappling Dummy
The best way to improve at BJJ is training with real partners under the tutelage of an experienced coach.
But what about getting extra drilling at home?
Let’s face it, your significant other is sick of you asking to ‘try a move real quick’ or sit down and plug through instructional videos.
But what if there’s a better way?
Enter the grappling dummy.
A grappling dummy is basically a sand-filled pillow in the shape of a person, complete with arms, legs, head, and a chokable neck.
While a grappling dummy cannot completely replace training with other humans, it is a good solution to add more realistic solo drilling into your training week.
Additionally, you can now actually review the move you learned in class at home – you took notes in your journal, right?
Check out the following grappling dummies and start adding solo drilling to your schedule!
Jayefo Beast 58 BJJ Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Wrestling Dummy
Price: starts at $44 USD
Color Options: black/gray, black/red, black/yellow
Pros:
- You adjust the way the Beast is packed to your liking
- More realistic feel for submissions
- Good for BJJ and MMA
Cons:
- Arms are a little short
- The dummy is a bit small
- Not as heavy for slams
Review
Sometimes you don’t need or want a training partner in BJJ, you just want to practice alone. Therein comes the idea of the grappling dummy. With this one I wanted to see why the Jayefo Beast 58 BJJ grappling dummy has 4.5 stars on over 1500 reviews on Amazon. I mean, that’s pretty hard to achieve for any product. So I dove in and ordered one. I’ve worked with a lot of grappling dummies through two decades of martial arts, most of them either leather or synthetic, so it was interesting to me to work with one made of fabric.
When it arrived I took what shirts, old track pants, shorts and socks I had and started stuffing. I quickly realized I was going to need way more. So I headed down to a local thrift store, one that has those buy by weight deals and spent like $10 buying ugly shirts to finish the job. At first I really didn’t like the Beast 58, so I read up on some reviews and learned there are smart ways to repack it for optimal grappling like using pool noodles in the joints.
So I popped out to the closest place I could find pool noodles, re-thought my approach to packing the dummy and voila – the Beast 58 came alive. After that I found it quite useful, I have insomnia and it’s the perfect opponent in my garage gym to practice at 4am. My girlfriend and roommates are definitely grateful for the Beast since they don’t have to hear me smashing on the heavy bag when I can’t sleep. I say this one is a great buy, especially for the money.
BJJ Mats
The final and most committed investment you can make when it comes to spending money on BJJ gear is your own set of BJJ mats.
Whether you need a soft surface to practice with your grappling dummy or want to have some friends over to drill and perhaps even roll, having BJJ mats is an absolute blessing.
If you get a good home BJJ mat setup and take care of it, the mats will last for a long time.
Mats are typically available in 8×8, 10×10, and 12×12 squares, depending on your available space.
Some mats are designed to roll up for easy storage, while others are simply rectangular pieces you put together manually like a puzzle to fit whatever space you have.
While having your own mats might seem like overkill, you’d be surprised at how common it is for long term BJJ artists to have some mats at home.
You just never know when you might get that urge to do some private drilling sessions with your best training partners or choke out that annoying uncle who keeps talking trash at the family barbeque (we’re kidding of course…).
Check out the following options for home BJJ mat setups.
Reversible Home BJJ Puzzle Mats
Price: Starts at $210
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Great mats for all types of martial arts
- Even good for yoga, pilates, QiGong Etc
Cons:
- Not very durable over the long haul
Review
I have a small gym set up in my garage with a heavy bag, speed bag, weights – the usual. I’ve always been more of a striker and Muay Thai guy, but let’s face it, my last fight was 3 years ago and now I’m pushing 40 – which is why I have been more focused on BJJ. So when the YouJiuJitsu team wanted to review these mats I jumped at the chance. They obliged, so I moved out a bunch of junk to storage and ordered two sets of four to fit the now empty space. I chose the 1.5″ squares as I am 6’3″ and about 250 pounds.
They were easy to put together and only took a few minutes to set up. Next step was to invite some rolling partners from the gym and see how the mats feel. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and definitely glad I went with the 1.5″. In general they were almost as comfortable to roll on as any gym I have been to. If you have the space and want to roll more often, I would definitely recommend these mats. Only problem now is trying to get my girlfriend and her friends to stick to a schedule for yoga and pilates on them LOL.
Top BJJ Training Equipment and Gear: the bottom line
Compared to many other hobbies, BJJ training equipment is fairly low-cost if you just need the essentials.
For the minimum BJJ training gear, you absolutely have to have a Gi, shorts, rash guard, and mouthpiece.
As you develop as a martial artist and discover what specific BJJ training equipment you need to push your progress further, you can begin investing in the pro BJJ tools as well as the next level training gear.
While we love paying for our morning coffee when you buy your gear through our links, we definitely do not want you to overspend on your gear.
Add pieces to your BJJ training gear arsenal slowly so you can be sure you only buy what you need as you need it.
That said, we assure you that before long, you’ll want and need far more BJJ training equipment than just the essentials.
Photos licensed from @pavicichportraits
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